Biography of Henry Clay Andrus

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Henry Clay Andrus, born September 26, 1844, in Highland Township, Michigan, was a Civil War veteran and early settler in South Dakota. After serving in the First Michigan Light Artillery, he relocated to Brown County in 1883, establishing a successful homestead in Highland Township, which he named after his birthplace. Active in local public service, he was township treasurer and a member of Aberdeen’s board of education. A dedicated Baptist, Andrus organized a Sunday school and helped establish a church in the community. He married Amelia Curdy in 1867, and they had two sons, Ernest and Homer.

Biography of Charles H. Allen

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Charles H. Allen was born on March 17, 1857, in Osage, Iowa, to Joseph and Abigail Allen. He was the fifteenth of sixteen children, and his father served as a Civil War surgeon. Charles left home at age 13, traveling and learning stone cutting before returning to Iowa in 1881. He moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1882, establishing a successful draying business and later transitioning to wood and coal distribution. In 1882, he married Ida M. Owen, with whom he had two children: C. Lewis and M. Estelle. Allen was also active in local politics and several fraternal organizations.

Biography of Alva N. Aldrich

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Alva N. Aldrich, born August 29, 1866, in Ionia, Michigan, became the mayor of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and the proprietor of the Wisconsin House hotel. After relocating to South Dakota in 1887 and facing hardships with his homestead in Brown County, Aldrich moved to Aberdeen, where he transitioned into the hotel business in 1896. His leadership in the city was marked by reforms, including stricter enforcement of alcohol and gambling laws. Elected mayor in 1904, he previously served on the city council. In 1895, Aldrich married Louise Wylie, and they had one son, Louis Wylie Aldrich.

Biography of John E. Adams

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

John E. Adams, a prominent lawyer and early member of the Brown County bar in South Dakota, was born in Paterson, New Jersey, in 1857. After moving with his family to Pennsylvania, he attended Allegheny College and was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1880. In 1883, Adams moved to Dakota Territory, establishing his practice in Columbia before relocating to Aberdeen when it became the county seat. He served as mayor of Columbia in 1887, as county judge from 1890, and as mayor of Aberdeen in 1900. Adams was also active in Scottish Rite Masonry and various fraternal organizations. He married Martha E. Wilkinson in 1888, and they had five children.

Biography of DeWitt Clinton Fowler, M. D.

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Dr. DeWitt Clinton Fowler, born November 6, 1841, in Delphi, Madison County, New York, pursued his medical education at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, graduating in 1863. He served as an assistant surgeon during the Civil War, enduring capture and imprisonment. Post-war, Dr. Fowler practiced homeopathic medicine in New York before moving to Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1882 due to health concerns. He became a prominent physician and successful businessman, owning valuable properties and mining interests. A dedicated Mason and Episcopalian, Dr. Fowler significantly contributed to Aberdeen’s medical and religious communities.

Biography of George E. Countryman, M. D.

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

George E. Countryman, M.D., was a respected physician and surgeon in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He was born on July 31, 1865, in Hastings, Minnesota, to Peter F. and Elizabeth (Gleason) Countryman, who were of Holland Dutch and English ancestry, respectively. Dr. Countryman, a descendant of Baron Johana Von Konderman, completed high school in Hastings and continued his studies at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from Missouri Medical University in 1888 and began practicing in Mellette, South Dakota. He moved to Aberdeen in 1894, where he built a significant practice. He served as coroner of Brown County for eight years and as librarian of the Alexander Mitchell Free Library for five years. A member of the South Dakota State Medical Society, he was active in the Masons and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. On November 15, 1888, he married Kate A. Van Auken. They had a daughter, Marguerite, born August 27, 1890.

Biography of Edward Teare Taubman

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Edward Teare Taubman, born December 18, 1853, near Cleveland, Ohio, moved to Iowa with his family in the year of his birth. Growing up near Maquoketa, he received his education at local public schools and Clinton Commercial College. Initially a teacher, Taubman studied law under Cotton & Wolfe in DeWitt, Iowa, and was admitted to the Clinton County bar in 1878. After practicing in Delmar and Spencer, he relocated to Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1883, becoming a prominent attorney. Elected prosecuting attorney in 1889, he served both before and after South Dakota’s statehood. Taubman was a staunch Republican, advocating for the gold standard. A distinguished Mason, he achieved the thirty-third degree. He married Margaret Kennedy in 1879, and they had three children: Genevieve, Olive T., and Morton McKinley.

Biography of Hiram E. McNutt

Hiram E McNutt M D

Dr. Hiram E. McNutt, born on September 21, 1848, in Warren County, New York, is a distinguished physician based in Aberdeen, South Dakota. A Dartmouth graduate, he initially practiced with his father before moving to Ohio and then Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1883, he relocated to Aberdeen, becoming a leading medical professional. McNutt played a crucial role in forming the State Medical Society and the State Board of Medical Examiners, significantly impacting medical practice regulations in South Dakota. A dedicated Republican and active in fraternal organizations, he is also a prominent Mason. McNutt married Delia L. Snow in 1874, and they have a daughter, Fanny.

Biography of Andrew Melgaard

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Andrew Melgaard, born in Norway on September 15, 1842, was a significant figure in Brown County, South Dakota. Educated in Norway, he served five years as a sergeant in the Norwegian army before emigrating to the United States in 1869. Settling first in Litchfield, Minnesota, Melgaard worked for the Minneapolis Harvester Works before moving to Brown County in 1880. There, he homesteaded a half section of land near Aberdeen, transforming it into a prosperous farm and modern residence. He was instrumental in establishing the Northern Normal and Industrial School on his property. Active in community and church affairs, Melgaard was known for his public spirit and commitment to education. He and his wife, G. Marie Hoel, whom he married in 1867, raised six children.

Biography of James D. Reeves

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

JAMES D. REEVES, a native of Minnesota, made a significant impact on South Dakota’s public affairs. As a newspaperman and former state auditor, Reeves earned public confidence and esteem. Beginning his career as a printer, he founded several newspapers, including the Groton Mirror and the Groton Independent. With unwavering dedication to Republican principles, Reeves served as mayor, school board member, and state auditor. He proved to be a skilled administrator during his tenure and was recognized as a progressive thinker in the newspaper industry. Reeves was also an active member of various fraternal organizations.

Biography of J. C. Hall

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

J. C. Hall, a prominent agriculturist, merchant, and grain dealer in Brown County, South Dakota, has achieved remarkable success in various ventures, including his breeding of full-blooded Shropshire sheep. With an exceptional farm and a flock of one hundred and seventy-five prized sheep, he has gained a reputation for excellence in the industry. Alongside his agricultural pursuits, Hall manages a large elevator and actively participates in politics as a leader of the Republican Party. His contributions to legislation and organizational skills have been highly regarded. Hall’s dedication to the development of South Dakota as a flourishing state underscores his visionary outlook and commitment to the well-being of his community.